Pakistan’s medium-fast bowler, Hasan Ali has backed Shadab Khan as the next captain of Pakistan replacing the current skipper, Babar Azam. Babar didn’t have a great outing as the skipper after leading his side to the finals of the 20-20 World Cup. The Shaheens suffered a whitewash in Tests in their own backyard against England, then they went on to draw the two-match series against New Zealand.
Pakistan haven’t been able to win a single Test on their home soil in the 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle. With all these numbers, there has been a debate that the opening batter should step down from the captaincy of the National side. With the focus now being shifted to Pakistan Super League, the 28-year-old will be leading Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing season
“He is ready [for Pakistan captaincy]. He has proved himself as a captain in PSL. I think he has also led Pakistan in two matches, so I think he is ready. He is always ready for any challenge and gives his best,” said Hasan in a press conference.
Shadab is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan
Both Shadab and Hasan play for Islamabad United in PSL. Shadab is leading the side since 2019 with 17 wins from the 32 games as captain. The 24-year-old all-rounder is also the vice-captain of the national side. He is also the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20Is with 98 wickets from 84 matches.
The eighth season of PSL has started off well as Lahore Qalandars defeated Multan Sultans by 1 run in the season opener. This was also the comeback match for Shaheen Afridi who was away from the game after suffering an injury during the T20 World Cup final. Meanwhile, Islamabad will kickstart their campaign against Karachi Kings on February 16.
